System and method for using a single intelligence circuit for a plurality of imaging rendering components

ABSTRACT

An electronic imaging system and method are provided that include an image capturing component, such as a digital camera, an image rendering component, such as a printer, digital projector, video screen, etc., each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and an intelligence module detachably connectable to either of the imaging components for providing the required control circuit. The intelligence module includes a microprocessor and memory, and each of the image capturing and rendering components of the system includes a memory for storing operating instructions. The intelligence module downloads the operating instructions of the particular imaging component it is connected to in order to operate the same. The use of a single control module to operate a broad spectrum of digital imaging components advantageously simplifies the circuitry of the components, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances reliability by minimizing processing steps and circuit interfaces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 08/956,989 filed Oct. 23, 1997, and entitled “System and Method ForUsing a Single Intelligence Circuit in Both a Digital Camera andPrinter”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to a system and method for usinga single intelligence circuit for a plurality of imaging components. Itis specifically concerned with the use of a single portable intelligencemodule for performing image data processing and memory operations inboth image capturing components, such as a digital camera, and imagerendering components, such as printers, digital photo albums, digitalprojectors, etc., in order to simplify the circuitry and reduce the costof manufacturing such components.

[0003] Techniques for sharing an intelligence circuit between theelectronic components used in digital imaging systems are known in theprior art. For example, in the camera system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,506,617, and assigned to the Eastman Kodak Company, a digital camerais provided as a module that attaches to the signal bus of a PCcompatible computer. This system advantageously eliminates the need fora separate intelligence circuit to be incorporated within the cameraitself, as the camera in this system can utilize the processor of thecomputer by way of a PC-compatible interface connector that mates with abus extension connector on the computer. Digitized data is directlytransmitted from the camera to the signal bus of the computer so thatthe processor of the computer can be used to perform all imageprocessing, storage, and display functions. The elimination of thecamera intelligence circuit not only simplifies the circuitarchitecture, but substantially reduces camera manufacturing costs asthe microprocessor used in such circuits costs between $20.00 and $40.00depending upon the speed and operating abilities required.

[0004] While the camera-computer system disclosed in the '617 patentrepresents a significant advance in the simplification of digital cameracircuitry, its utility is limited since the digital camera must becontinuously connected to the PC compatible computer during both thecapturing and displaying of images. This limitation would still bepresent no matter how one attempted to apply the basic idea behind the'617 patent to other image rendering components, such as digital photoalbums, digital projectors, scanners, image transfer stations, videophones, digital photo printers, etc. In each case where the intelligencecircuit of one or more of the aforementioned imaging components isreplaced by the processor of a single PC compatible computer, thecomponent must be inconveniently tethered to a computer which isrelatively unportable. Moreover, as the operating software for each typeand model of imaging component is different, some sort of technique forproviding the PC compatible computer with appropriate softwareinstructions for each component would have to be implemented.

[0005] Clearly, there is a need for a system in which a single portableintelligence module that can be conveniently plugged into both imagecapturing components, such as digital cameras, and a plurality ofdifferent types of image rendering components, such as printers, digitalphoto albums, digital projectors, etc., in order to simplify thestructure of the circuitry used in each imaging component of the system.Ideally, the intelligence module would have the capacity of immediatelyrecognizing the particular type and model of imaging component that itwas plugged into, and of executing the particular type of softwarenecessary to operate that particular component for a broad range ofimaging components. Finally, it would be desirable if the intelligencemodule had the capability of both storing and displaying image datareceived from any one of the imaging components to conveniently affordthe system operator with a broad range of image monitoring capabilitiesand editing options.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Generally speaking, the invention is an electronic imaging systemthat overcomes all of the aforementioned limitations that comprisesfirst and second imaging components, each of which requires anintelligence circuit for operation, and an intelligence control moduledetachably connectable to either of the imaging components for providingthe required control circuit. The first component converts an image(which may be composed of light that is visible or invisible to thehuman eye) into image data, the intelligence module stores the data, andthe second component converts the data into an image.

[0007] The intelligence module may include a microprocessor forperforming the intelligence function required by the imaging components,and a memory circuit for storing the image data generated by the firstcomponent. The memory circuit may be detachably connectable to thecontrol module in order to vary the memory capacity of the module. Whilethe memory circuit is preferably formed from a flash memory card, it mayalso be an optical or magnetic memory.

[0008] Preferably, each of the imaging components includes a memory forstoring a set of component operating instructions and the microprocessorof the intelligence module downloads the operating instructions wheneverit is detachably connected to a particular imaging component in order tooperate the same. To facilitate the operation of the system, the controlmodule preferably includes a screen for displaying images constructedfrom the image data stored therein.

[0009] The first component of the electronic imaging system may be adigital camera having a photoelectric unit for converting an image intoa stream of image data. The second imaging component can be any one of anumber of devices for converting image data into an image, such as aprinter, a digital photo album, a digital projector, a scanner, an imagetransfer station, a video phone, a digital photo printer, a computervideo screen, or even a global positioning system imaging device. Thesystem may further comprise a telephone connection that includes a videomodem for conducting the image data to or from the intelligence moduleand an image capturing or image rendering component.

[0010] The invention also encompasses a method for generating an imageby means of said first and second imaging components and an intelligencemodule. The system comprises the steps of connecting the intelligencemodule to a first image capturing component to convert an image into aset of stored image data, disconnecting the module from the firstcomponent, and connecting the module to the second component to convertthe set of stored image data into a rendered image. In the method of theinvention, each of the first and second imaging components includes amemory circuit for storing a set of component operating instructions,and the method further may include the step of downloading the set ofcomponent operating instructions into the intelligence module when themodule is connected to one of the imaging components.

[0011] Both the system and the method advantageously simplify thecircuitry of the components used in digital imaging systems tosubstantially reduce manufacturing costs with enhanced reliability andlittle or no trade offs in convenience or operational abilities. Thesharing of an intelligence circuit among various imaging componentsadvantageously lowers equipment costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the system of the invention,illustrating the intelligence module in combination with an imagingcomponent;

[0013]FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are front, back, and bottom views of theintelligence module of the system;

[0014]FIG. 3 is an exploded, isometric view of the intelligence module,a digital camera, and a digital printer, schematically illustrating howthe camera and the printer share the intelligence module;

[0015]FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the intelligence module incombination with a video encoder connected to a video screen;

[0016]FIG. 5 illustrates the combination of the intelligence module ofthe invention and a film scanner;

[0017]FIG. 6 illustrates the intelligence module of the invention incombination with both a video phone and a video terminal in combinationwith a video screen;

[0018]FIG. 7 illustrates how the intelligence module may be used incombination with a personal digital assistant;

[0019]FIG. 8 illustrates the combination of the intelligence module witha digital photo album;

[0020]FIG. 9 illustrates the combination of the intelligence module withan archive station, and

[0021]FIG. 10 illustrates the combination of the intelligence modulewith a digital projector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C, the system 1 of theinvention generally comprises an intelligence module 3 in combinationwith an imaging component 5. The exterior of the intelligence module 3includes a rectangular housing 8 having an image display assembly 9 inthe form of a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen 11. In the preferredembodiment, the LCD screen is a low temperature, polysilicon-typescreen, as such screens can be made with an overall thickness ofapproximately 1 millimeter and therefore not significantly contribute tothe overall thickness of the rectangular housing 8. Screen 11 isilluminated via a back light panel 13 in a manner well known in the art.Beside and below the screen 11 is a user interface 15 in the form ofpush buttons 17 a-d. These push buttons allow the system operator toactuate the module 3 and display a desired image on the screen 11, andto scroll backwards and forwards with respect to a set of imagesreserved in the memory of the module 3. An LED display 19 is providedfor informing the system operator when the intelligence module 3 hasbeen turned on. An interface connector assembly 21 is provided along theedge of the back face of the housing 8, as is best seen in FIG. 2B.Finally, a flash card socket 22 is provided along the bottom surface ofthe rectangular housing for receipt of a flash memory card, as will beexplained in more detail hereinafter.

[0023] The interior of the intelligence module 3 includes a printedcircuit board assembly 23 upon which a microprocessor 25 is mounted.Preferably, the microprocessor 25 is one of the commercially availablefamily of reduced instruction set computers (known as RISC-typeprocessors) that are relatively fast, math intensive, andapplication-specific. Examples of such processors include the Model 821Power PC manufactured by Motorola Corporation located in Phoenix, Ariz.,and the Model MIPSR-4000 processor manufactured by NEC Electronicslocated in Tokyo, Japan. Such processors are fully capable of rapidlyimplementing the JPEG still image compression, decompression, andprocessing algorithms used in both image capturing and image renderingcomponents. The printed circuit board assembly 23 further includes anEPROM 27 for storing an initialization program for the microprocessor25. Generally, the initialization program is started whenever thecircuit on the board assembly 23 first receives electrical power as aresult of the module 3 being plugged into a component 5. As will beexplained in more detail hereinafter, the program stored in the EPROM 27then proceeds to instruct the microprocessor 25 to read the contents ofthe personality ROM 43 present in each one of the imaging components 5of the entire system 1.

[0024] The circuit on the board assembly 23 further includes a dynamicrandom access memory or DRAM. Preferably the DRAM 29 should have atleast 20 megabyte capacity in order to store the working image and dataexecutable program downloaded from the personality ROM of the component.Examples of commercially available integrated circuits which can be usedas the DRAM 29 include the Model MCM51LXXX DRAM manufactured byMotorola, or one of the series of AMD29C 600 DRAMs manufactured byAdvanced Micro Devices located Beaverton, Oreg. In both cases, a totalof two, 8 megabyte ICs may be used.

[0025] The circuit on the board assembly 23 should further include aflash memory 31 which preferably has at least a 16 megabyte capacity.The flash memory 31 is a non-volatile memory which may be used to storeimage data processed by the microprocessor 25 when the intelligencemodule 3 is connected to a power source. Advantageously, the storedimage data remains in the flash memory 31 after the module is detachedfrom a power source. A 16 megabyte memory can store either 5 megapixelimages in flash or up to 50 JPE6 compound images. A flash memories 31having the requisite capacities are commercially available from any oneof a number of vendors, including an AM29F200 IC manufactured by the AMDCorporation located in Sunnyvale, Calif. If such a component were used,eight 2 megabyte IC's could be installed on the board assembly 23.

[0026] The intelligence module 3 may further include an optional flashcard memory 33 which is detachably connectable to the printed circuitboard assembly 23 via the previously mentioned socket 22. The provisionof such a socket 22 advantageously allows the system operator to expandthe capacity of the flash memory 31, which in turn allows theintelligence module 3 to store a greater amount of image data. In thepreferred embodiment, at least one 10 megabyte Model No. SDCFB-10 flashcard memory manufactured by the San Disc Corporation located in SantaClara, Calif. 95054 is used.

[0027] The printed circuit board assembly 23 further includes both adisplay driver 35 for providing instructions to the LCD image display 9,and a mechanical programmable controller 37 for providing operationalcommands to the mechanical systems of the imaging component 5 (such as alens focusing assembly, a printhead driver, etc.). The display driver 35is normally part of the liquid crystal display module that forms theimage on the display 9, while the mechanical programmable controller 37may be an application system integrated circuit (ASIC) manufactured bythe Eastman Kodak Company in accordance with known technology.

[0028] Finally, the circuit on the board assembly 23 includes an addressdata and input/output bus 38 for interconnecting all of the principalcomponents 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, and 37, as is schematicallyillustrated.

[0029] With respect reference again to FIG. 1, each of the imagingcomponents 5 that the intelligence module 3 may be used in conjunctionwith a power source 41 used to power both the component 5 and theintelligence module 3 when the later is connected thereon, and apersonality ROM 43. For each imaging component 5, the personality ROM 43includes the software necessary to process the raw color filter array(CFA) image data read from the charge coupled device (CCD) imaging head,as well as the software necessary to operate any auto-focusing, zoomlens, or flash systems present in the camera. If the imaging component 5is an image rendering component such as a digital camera or filmscanner, it may optionally include an image data memory 45 which isseparate from the personality ROM 43 for storing the image data receivedfrom the CCD imaging head. Such an optional image data memory 45 is notnecessary in image rendering components, such as printers, since thereis no need for such a component to separately store the data that itultimately transcribes into an image. If the component 5 includes anadditional, specialized microprocessor for operating a zoom lens orflash, the software contained in the personality ROM 43 of the component5 instructs the microprocessor 25 of the module 3 how to coordinate itsefforts with such a dedicated processor. Finally, the imaging component5 includes an interface contact assembly 47 that interconnects with thepreviously mentioned interface contact assembly 21 of the intelligencemodule 3. The joining of the two contact assemblies 21 and 52 allowsboth power from the power source 41 and program instructions from thepersonality ROM 43 to enter the circuit of the intelligence module 3where the program is executed.

[0030]FIG. 3 illustrates how that system 1 may be applied to thecombination of a digital camera 50, and a printer 54. The digital camera50 includes a recess or socket 51 for receiving the housing 8 of theintelligence module 3. When the intelligent circuit 3 is installed, itscontact assembly 21 engages the contact assembly 47 of the camera 50,thereby interconnecting the circuit of the module 3 to the power source(not shown) of the digital camera 50, as well as its personality ROM 43and image data memory 45. ROM 43 and memory 45 are shown as separatecomponents, they may be combined into a single memory. A furtherembodiment, digital camera 50 may be, for example, a model DC 120 or 210manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company located in Rochester, N.Y.,modified so as to be “lobotomized” of the intelligent circuit that isnormally present in this device.

[0031] Once the intelligence module 3 has been mechanically andelectrically attached to the digital camera 50, the module 3 becomesactuated by the camera power source, and the microprocessor 25 downloadsthe operating program from the ROM 43 into its DRAM 29. As the camera 50is being used, microprocessor 25 processes the raw CFA data read fromthe CCD imaging head of the camera by interpolating red, green or bluecolors for each of the pixels as needed and by adjusting the resultingimage with a scene balance algorithm (SBA), and then converting theresulting intermediate result into a photo RG 13 color space encoding.The final image data is then J-PEG compressed by the microprocessor 25,and then converted into a standard imaging file format such as EXIF-R,where component is stored in the flash memory 31 or 33 of theintelligence module 3.

[0032] After the system operator has captured the desired images withthe digital camera 50, he then detaches the module 3 from the camerabody 50 and installs it in a complimentarily shaped socket 55 present inthe digital printer 54. The disconnection of the DRAM 29 from the camerapower source causes it “forget” the instructions received from the ROM43 of the digital camera 50, so that the memory space can be reused toreceive printer operating instructions from the personality ROM 43located within the printer 54. The instructions contained within theprinter personality ROM 43 instruct the microprocessor 25 as to how todecompress the J-PEG compressed images stored in the flash memory 31 ofthe module 3, and how to format the resulting decompressed image datainto print instructions for this device. The printer 54 may be a modelnumber DS8650 thermal printer manufactured by the aforementioned EastmanKodak Company, appropriately “lobotomized” of the microprocessor that isnormally present within this device, or any one of a number of prior artcolor or monochrome printers.

[0033]FIG. 4 illustrates how the intelligence module 3 may be used incombination with a video encoder 58 and video screen 60 interconnectedby a cable 61. Like the previously described camera 50 and printer 54,video encoder 58 includes socket 59 for receiving the intelligencemodule 3 as well as a contact assembly 47 (not shown). In operation, thevideo encoder converts compressed images stored in the flash memory 31of the intelligence module 3 into a video compatible transmission whichis relayed to the video screen 60 via coaxial cable 61. Encoder 58, likethe camera 50 and printer 54, likewise has a personality ROM 43 thatincludes instructions that are downloaded into the EPROM 27 of theintelligence module 3 when it is initially installed. In this case, theinstructions present on the personality ROM 43 enable the microprocessor25 to convert the image data stored in its flash member 31 into a videotransmission. The circuitry of encoder 58 may be formed, for example, byan IC located in the base of the unit. Both video encoder and decoderICs are commercially available as Model Nos. P/N BT 864 (encoder) andP/N BT829 (decoder) manufactured by the Brooktree Division of RockwellSemiconductor Systems, Inc., located in San Diego, Calif.

[0034]FIG. 5 illustrates how the intelligence module 3 of the system 1may be used in combination with a film scanner 63, such as the“Snap-Shot Photo Scanner” manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Company.Scanner 63 includes an opening 64 for receiving an APS color negativedeveloped film cartridge 65. Scanner 63 includes, in its interior, a CCDimaging head (not shown) and a light source for converting the imagescontained on the film 65 into sampled RGB digital image data. Theoperational instructions contained within its particular personality ROM43 enable the microprocessor 25 of the intelligence module 3 to processthe raw image data generated by the scanner's linear array CCD in muchthe same way as previously described with respect to the digital camera50, the primary difference being that provisions in the software aremade to convert negative images from the film 65 into positive ones inthe event that the film 65 is developed, negative film. The scanner canlikewise handle positive reversed film. The resulting positive imagesmay be displayed on the LCD 11. Alternatively, the resulting images mayfurther be stored in the local flash memory 31 of the intelligencemodule 3 or the removable flash card memory 33 for rendering by eitherthe previously mentioned printer 54, for display on a screen such as thepreviously described video screen 60.

[0035]FIG. 6 illustrates how the intelligence module may be used inconjunction with both a video telephone 70, a video terminal 76, andremotely located video screen 75. The video telephone 70 also includes,in addition to the usual auditory-type equipment, a video conversioncircuit such as the one discussed with respect to the video encoder 58,and the modem 72 for converting the resulting video signals into signalscompatible with a transmission over a telephone line 74. Video telephone70 includes the usual keyboard 73 for remotely dialing the location of avideo screen 75. Video terminal 76 is in many respects identical to thepreviously discussed video encoder 58, the primary difference being theaddition of a modem 78 and keypad 80 for converting the video-type imagedata into data transmittable over a telephone cable 82. Both the videotelephone 70 and video terminal 76 each include personality ROMs 43 forenabling the microprocessor to convert the image data stored in itsflash memory 31 first to video signals, and then to telephone-linecompatible signals via the modems 72 and 78.

[0036]FIG. 7 illustrates the combination of an intelligence module 3with a personal digital assistant 85. In this particular combination ofthe system of the invention, the LCD screen 11 of the intelligencemodule 3 serves as a screen for the personal digital assistant (PDA).The PDA includes the usual keyboard 89 for the typing of alpha-numericinformation.

[0037]FIG. 8 illustrates the system 1 in terms of the combination of theintelligence module 3 and a device 90 which the inventors refer to as adigital photo album. The digital photo album 90 includes the usualpersonality ROM 43, and a battery pack 92 for powering the intelligencemodule 3. The sole purpose of the digital photo album 90 is to supplysufficient power via the battery pack 92 and sufficient operatingsoftware via the personality ROM 43 so as to allow the intelligencemodule 3 to display on its LCD screen 11 images stored within its flashmemory 31.

[0038]FIG. 9 illustrates the system 1 of the invention in terms of thecombination of the intelligence module 3 in combination with a devicewhich the inventors have termed an archive station 95. Archive station95 includes a slot 97 for the receipt of a recordable optical disk 99that stores image data. Its particular personality ROM 43 includesinstructions that enable the microprocessor 25 to copy images stored inthe intelligence module's flash memory to an organized directorystructure on the optical disc 99. Images are browsed on the LCD displayand selected for copy using module buttons 17 a-d.

[0039] Finally, FIG. 10 illustrates the system 1 of the invention as acombination of the intelligence module 3 with a digital projector 100,such as the Model No. LP 740 unit manufactured by In-focus located inWilsonville, Oreg. Digital projector 100 converts image data stored inthe flash memory 31 of the intelligence module 3 into an image which isprojected via lens assembly 101 onto a screen (not shown).

[0040] As a further example, the system 1 may be used in combinationwith global positioning systems (GPS) which have the capability ofrendering a vertical display of the terrain surrounding a givenlocation. In such a combination, the LCD screen 11 of the module 3 wouldprovide the terrain display, and the microprocessor 25 of the module 3would execute the software contained in a personality ROM 43 containedwithin the housing of such a GPS. An example of such a GPS device thatthe system might be used within the housing of such a GPS. An example ofsuch a GPS device that the system might be used within a “lobotomized”GPS 4000 Excel manufactured by Magellan Systems Corporation, a divisionof Orbital Access Co. located in Dulles, Va.

[0041] From the foregoing, it is clear that the system 1 of theinvention encompasses virtually any known combination of image capturingand image rendering components. While the system 1 has been describedwith respect to the specific image capturing and rendering componentsillustrated in FIGS. 3-10, the system is, of course, applicable to anytype of image capturing or rendering device that requires anintelligence circuit or microprocessor for operation. PARTS LIST  1.System  3. Intelligence module  5. Imaging component  7. [Intelligencemodule]  8. Rectangular housing  9. Image display assembly 11. Liquidcrystal screen 13. Backlight panel 15. User interface 17. Push buttonsa-d 19. LED display 21. Interface contact assembly 22. Flash card socket23. Printed circuit board assembly 25. Microprocessor 27. EPROM 29. DRAM31. Flash memory 33. Optional flash card memory 35. Display driver 37.programmable controller 38. Bus connections 39. [Imaging component] 41.Power source 43. Personality ROM 45. Optional image data source 47.Input contact assembly 50. Digital camera 51. Socket 52. Input contactassembly 54. Printer 55. Socket 58. Video encoder 59. Socket 60. Videoscreen (computer) 61. Cable 63. Film scanner 64. Slot 65. Film canister70. Video telephone 72. Video modem 73. Keyboard 74. Telephone cable 75.Video screen 76. Video terminal 78. Video modem 80. Keyboard 82.Telephone cable 85. Personal digital assistant 87. Display panel 89.Keyboard 90. Digital photo album 92. Battery pack 95. Archive station97. Slot 99. Optical disc 100.  Digital projector

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic imaging system, comprising: firstand second imaging components, each of which requires an intelligencecircuit for operation, and an intelligence module detachably connectableto either of said imaging components for providing the requiredintelligence circuit.
 2. The electronic imaging system of claim 1,wherein said first component converts an image into image data, saidintelligence module stores said data, and said second component convertssaid data into an image.
 3. The electronic imaging system of claim 2,wherein said intelligence module includes a microprocessor forperforming said intelligence function, and a memory circuit for storingsaid image data generated by said first component.
 4. The electronicimaging system of claim 3, wherein said memory circuit is detachablyconnectable to said intelligence module.
 5. The electronic imagingsystem of claim 3, wherein said memory circuit includes one of a flash,optical, or magnetic memory.
 6. The electronic imaging system of claim3, wherein each of said first and second components includes a memoryfor storing a set of component operating instructions, and wherein saidmicroprocessor downloads said operating instructions when detachablyconnected to said component in order to operate the same.
 7. Theelectronic imaging system of claim 3, wherein said control modulefurther includes a screen for displaying an image constructed from saidimage data.
 8. The electronic imaging system of claim 2, wherein saidfirst component is a camera having a photoelectric unit for convertingan image into a stream of image data and said second component convertssaid image data into an image.
 9. The electronic imaging system of claim2, wherein said second component is a printer.
 10. The electronicimaging system of claim 2, wherein said second component is a digitalphoto album.
 11. The electronic imaging system of claim 2, wherein saidsecond component is a digital projector.
 12. The electronic imagingsystem of claim 2, wherein said second component is a scanner.
 13. Theelectronic imaging system of claim 2, wherein said second component is atransfer station.
 14. The electronic imaging system of claim 2, whereinsaid second component is a video phone.
 15. Thc electronic imagingsystem of claim 2, wherein said second component is a digital photoprinter.
 16. The electronic imaging system of claim 2, wherein saidsecond component is a computer video screen.
 17. The electronic imagingsystem of claim 2, wherein said second component is a global positioningsystem imaging device.
 18. The electronic imaging system of claim 2,further comprising a telephone connection including a modem forconducting said image data to one of said control module and said secondimaging component.
 19. The electronic imaging system of claim 2, whereinsaid system comprises a plurality of second imaging components.
 20. Anelectronic imaging system comprising: an image capturing component andat least one image rendering component, each of which includes acomponent memory for storing a set of component operating instructions,and each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and anintelligence module detachably connectable to any one of said componentsfor downloading said set of component operating instructions from saidcomponent memory and for providing the required intelligence circuit foroperating said component in accordance with said instructions.
 21. Theelectronic imaging system of claim 20, wherein said image capturingcomponents converts an image into image data, and wherein saidintelligence module includes a memory circuit for storing said imagedata and said downloaded set of component operating instructions, and amicroprocessor for executing said operating instructions.
 22. Theelectronic imaging system of claim 20, wherein said system includes aplurality of second imaging components.
 23. A method for generating animage by means of a first imaging component for converting an image intoimage data and a second imaging component for converting image data intoan image, and intelligence module detachably connectable to one of saidfirst and second components for operating the same, comprising the stepsof: connecting said intelligence module to said first component toconvert an image into a set of stored image data; disconnecting saidintelligence module from said first component, and connecting saidintelligence module to said second component to convert said set ofstored image data into an image.
 24. The method as defined in claim 23,wherein each of said first and second imaging components includes amemory circuit for storing a set of component operating instructions,and further comprising the step of downloading said set of componentoperating instructions into said intelligence module when said controlmodule is connected to one of said first and second components.